Effects of a Flat Panel Monitor Arm on Comfort, Posture and Preference in an Architectural Practice

The effects of installing a flat panel monitor arm (FPMA) at an architecture firm were investigated. Twenty eight participants were equally divided into test and control groups. Three surveys were conducted: pre-installation and one-month and 3-month post-installation. The web-based survey assessed musculoskeletal discomfort for eleven upper body regions, demographics, workstation utilization and workstation satisfaction. On-site measurements of workstation dimensions were taken and posture was observed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessments (RULA) method for each survey. Participants reported that the FPMA allowed them to optimally position their screen and a majority said it made it easier to share information with colleagues. Total upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort and computer vision syndrome symptoms were significantly reduced for the test group. However, no significant differences were found for specific body regions or for RULA scores.

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